This will seem pretty basic to many, but...
I just bought a new Nikon 35 MM lens for my D5300, and I wondering if I should attach the lens hood that came with it.
I live in Arizona, in abundant sunshine, which would seem to make the answer an obvious yes.
However, I live in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, where I always keep the lens cap on until I'm ready to shoot. It doesn't seem to me as if the hood could provide as much protection from dust and dirt as the cap does.
I've actually never used a hood with any camera or lens before, but I've never owned a camera like this and need to take good care of it, as well as try to get the best possible photos. I'm interested in hearing other thoughts and reasons. Thanks!
The hood is less about keeping things off of the lens and more about keeping sun off of the glass and causing unwanted light from bouncing around in the lens (possibly causing a flare) and messing with the exposure and autofocus sensors.
You should still be able to remove the lens cap with the hood on.
SonoraDick wrote:
This will seem pretty basic to many, but...
I just bought a new Nikon 35 MM lens for my D5300, and I wondering if I should attach the lens hood that came with it.
I live in Arizona, in abundant sunshine, which would seem to make the answer an obvious yes.
However, I live in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, where I always keep the lens cap on until I'm ready to shoot. It doesn't seem to me as if the hood could provide as much protection from dust and dirt as the cap does.
I've actually never used a hood with any camera or lens before, but I've never owned a camera like this and need to take good care of it, as well as try to get the best possible photos. I'm interested in hearing other thoughts and reasons. Thanks!
This will seem pretty basic to many, but... br br... (
show quote)
The lens hood protects the lens from accidents as well as glare. The manufacturers put it there for a reason.
Yes, you should use the lens hood, particularly where you live, it will reduce lens flare.
To protect the filer thread and lens, purchase a lens protector filter. Some people use a UV filter to protect the lens, which costs more and you do not need it on a modern digital camera.
Yes that's the correct lens hood for that lens.
Yes that's the correct lens hood for that lens.
Mike D. wrote:
You should still be able to remove the lens cap with the hood on.
You're right; I can!
Some of the hoods I've seen look big enough to hold my lunch, so I didn't think it would be easily done. Thanks for answering my question.
We are here to help Dick and it's always a good thing when the solution to the problem dioesn't cost you. :)
The first time you get flare in a photo you'll understand what a hood is for. Several years ago I shot one of my son's Little League games and shot directly into the sun (well, not totally), using a hood and my hand covering the the front of the hood. The photos came out great.
The hood doesn't really do a good job preventing dust though I suppose it will stop some flying debris.
The strength of the lens hood is to reduce flare when the sun happens to be near the edge of your lens. This is where the hood excel.
But there's also a protection component. When you're walking in the bush the hood keeps branches off your lens element, when you're on a busy sidewalk the hood protects your lens when someone bumps into you and/or the camera.
With a 35 mm lens I don't suppose the hood is very big but with larger lenses the hood also protects you from a sloppy ice cream being smeared into your lens accidentally by some kid.
Mike D. wrote:
it's always a good thing when the solution to the problem dioesn't cost you. :)
Well, not exactly... Now I've ordered a hood for my other lens. :D
I have that lens and always use the lens hood. By the way, I think you will love the lens!
mcveed
Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)
Any time the sun shines onto the front element of your lens you will get an undesirable effect. The sun doesn't have to be in the picture to cause flare.
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